‘Mules’ give Redhawks’ offense an extra kick

In the 1980s, the Washington Redskins’ called their offensive line the “Hogs.”

At Westwood High, it’s the “Mules” that rule the line of scrimmage and are at the heart of the Redhawks’ success on offense. Westwood offensive line coach Richard Bonneville has been using the term “Mules” for his O-line back since he coached at Richland Northeast, and it’s carried over to Westwood.

Westwood coach Rodney Summers said the nickname fits this group, made up of guards Torrey Boone and Chris Mitchell, tackles Ryan Hiller and Emmanuel Scott and center Chris McCarthy. Together, they help carry the load for Westwood’s ground-oriented attack.

As a group, the five average almost 300 pounds across the front, which rivals the size of some college offensive lines. Boone, Mitchell and McCarthy each bench over 350 pounds.

The Mules helped open holes for running back Andrew Plante and Rudy Mitchell and the rest of Westwood’s running attack. The Redhawks averaged more than 270 yards on the ground as they won a school-record 11 games and advanced to the second round of the Class 4A Division II playoffs last season.

“We are dedicated,” Boone said. “We don’t get a lot of recognition, but we can carry the load. It starts with us.”

With all five returning from last year, the group has been getting a little more attention than normal. Summers, however, hopes that doesn’t translate into a drop in production. He will do his best to keep them humble and doesn’t give out helmet to stickers to the offensive line for big plays during the game while other positions get them.

“Paint from the other team’s helmets are their stickers,” Summers said. “They are our strength, and we are going to rely on them to open up holes and we are going to rely on them to help us in our pass protection. With our size, we are able to get a push on, and no one is really able to match us.”

Boone (6-foot-3, 335 pounds) is the vocal one of the group and makes sure the rest are doing their job. On Monday, he made sure Scott ran up the hill by the team’s practice field because he was late. The senior also does his best to keep Mitchell (6-2, 330), who goes by the nickname “Big Chris,” away from the opponents for talking too much trash.

Mitchell admits he can be a dirty player at times but tries not to cross the line.

“He is the one who talks a lot of trash to defense but punishes them for four quarters,” Boone said of Mitchell.

Both Mitchell and Boone are asked to do a lot of pulling and trapping from their guard spots despite both being over 300 pounds.

“They think we aren’t very quick, but we are. We can move,” Mitchell said.

The same goes for McCarthy (6-0, 280), who goes by the nickname “Chop” or “Slappy.” He is the quiet one of the bunch and lets his teammates do the talking.

Scott (6-4, 260), aka “Money,” and Hiller, known as “Diesel,” are the skinniest of the group, but their speed is an asset in both pass protection and in the running game.

Hiller (6-2, 240) is the only non-senior of the group and said it won’t be the same without the other four next season.

Summers believes all five have the potential to play on the college level. Boone has an offer from S.C. State, and Scott has offers from S.C. State and North Greenville.

And with another big season like last year, more offers and attention can come the Mules’ way.

“Everybody on our team just loves football and goes as hard as they possibly can,” Boone said. “We just love football and do the best we possibly can.”